Answer
Based on the provided reference, one Space Shuttle landed at White Sands.
According to the information available, White Sands Space Harbor served as a potential backup landing site for the Space Shuttle program throughout its operational history. However, it was utilized for an actual landing on only one occasion.
Details of the Historic Landing
The sole Space Shuttle landing at White Sands occurred in the early years of the program. The reference confirms:
- Spacecraft: Space Shuttle Columbia
- Date: March 30, 1982
This specific landing was a significant event as it marked the only time a Space Shuttle mission concluded at the White Sands facility. Although designated as a backup site, factors like weather conditions at primary landing locations often dictated the final destination. For instance, while White Sands was activated as a backup for STS-116 due to poor weather at Edwards Air Force Base and Kennedy Space Center, the reference clearly states the one landing that actually took place there was by Columbia on March 30, 1982.
This table summarizes the key details from the reference regarding the White Sands landing:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Shuttle | Space Shuttle Columbia |
| Landing | Only one landing |
| Date | March 30, 1982 |
| Role | Used as a backup landing site |
This single landing at White Sands is a notable part of the Space Shuttle program's history, demonstrating the diverse range of landing sites available and the dynamic nature of mission planning based on operational requirements and environmental conditions.
